Sixers to potentially get back in Jimmy Butler trade conversation?

Sixers to potentially get back in Jimmy Butler trade conversation?

The Philadelphia 76ers’ 2-3 start to the NBA season has been underwhelming, but there’s no reason to hit the panic button yet. And while it seems most believe the team isn’t overly concerned, there are rumblings that the slow start could lead to a potentially big move.

As The Athletic’s Shams Charania stated on Stadium, other teams around the league are “identifying” the Sixers as a team who could get in the mix for Jimmy Butler again.

“Teams like Miami [Heat] and even Philadelphia, the Sixers, they’ve gotten off to a little bit of a slow start – teams are still identifying them as a team that could still get involved.” Charania said of a potential Butler trade.

This comes shortly after Charania points out that the Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t interested in the Houston Rockets’ recent offer which included four first-round draft picks. Along with the picks, the Rockets reportedly offered Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss.

If the Sixers were to make a play for Butler, it wouldn’t be surprising after hearing new general manager Elton Brand’s comments this offseason. Shortly after being named the team’s GM, Brand said on ESPN’s ‘The Jump’ that Philly may have to “pull the trigger on something else” before free agency in terms of adding another piece.

“Everyone talks about free agency, free agency, but we may have to pull the trigger on something else before free agency if we feel we can’t get one of those stars that I can’t name.”

“I still think we need a piece. We’re close and if you ask Joel [Embiid] we have enough and if you ask Ben [Simmons] we have enough, because that’s the chip they have on their shoulder, and they’re elite. They don’t want to hear that, but I still think we need a piece.” Brand said.

Time will tell, but at this point, it’s all rumblings and nothing more than that.